Siren’s Point Book 1: Finest Kind of Fate by JJ Mulder

 

Siren’s Point Book 1

Ewan Fate left home seven years ago never intending to stay gone. Now, he’s wondering how he’ll ever manage to go back. When an extended creative block and an inability to paint puts his career in jeopardy, he packs his bags, ignores his doubts, and travels home to the east coast.

The sleepy little fishing town of Siren’s Point isn’t so sleepy when Ewan comes back to town. Nothing much has changed since he’s been away— the locals still gossip, the lobstermen still haul traps, and Shiloh Lepage is still the love of his life.

Shiloh spends his days on the ocean, and his nights alone. He feels stuck in a relationship that has gone stagnant. He misses a childhood friend he hasn’t spoken to in seven years, and should have long given up on. He doesn’t know what else to do, and so he simply goes on.

Ewan is supposed to be on vacation. He’s supposed to be relaxing, and, if he’s lucky, finding himself again. But all he’s found is a rekindling of desire that never quite went away, no matter how many miles he put between himself and Shiloh. Now back in Siren’s Point, he finds himself confronted with old fears, new choices, and the realization that some things will never change.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245924653-finest-kind-of-fate

********

My Review: 4/5 Stars

Seven years ago, Ewan left his home and is heart behind in Siren’s Point. The loss of his mother, the feelings he was having for his best friend, and the need to try and make his artistic dreams come true were the drive. But though he was successful in his career, it wasn’t an easy seven years. Not when his heart was with his best friend, Shiloh. And who he hasn’t spoken to since. But now, he needs a break. His art suffering and he suddenly has this idea to go home. He knows it won’t be easy. Not how he left and how he hasn’t reached out. He has amends to make and maybe it’s time to face his feelings. Shiloh knew Ewan had to leave. He understood. He just hoped Ewan wouldn’t completely shut him out when he did. He never got over it. And he never tried reaching out even when he was met back with silence. But perhaps he does need to move on this time? But just as the thought crosses his mind, Ewan returns home. A long conversation is well overdue and perhaps it is time to come clean about his own feelings for his best friend. A sweet and beautiful second chance for these two. It is clear to anyone that these two were always meant to be together. They just took their sweet time getting there! I loved watching Ewan and Shiloh reconnect and reaffirm the love they have for one another. We have a brand new town with a lot of interesting character. I can’t wait to see who’s story is next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

SIlvercrest U Book 4: X Marks the Spot by Willow Dixon

 

Silvercrest U Book 4

Getting kidnapped while at a rave wasn’t on my list of things to do. Neither was finding out that the guy I was abducted with isn’t just a rival frat member, we also hooked up that night, and I had no idea who he was.

Now we’re back at school, and instead of moving on and forgetting what happened, I can’t stop thinking about it.

Or about him.

Then I’m tasked with looking into Damon to see if he’s involved in a plot to take down my frat, and the more I watch him, the more obsessed I become.

I don’t just want Damon; I want things I’ve spent years denying myself. Things no one is supposed to want. And it doesn’t take long to realize that we’re not so different after all.

I don’t understand this pull between us, but everything changes when I find out that someone is trying to kill him.

Damon is mine, and I will burn the world down to protect him.

You want him? Come and try to get him.

I f*cking dare you.

X Marks the Spot is the fourth book in a new dark romance series set at an elite, invite-only college, and is a strangers to lovers story between a man who feels like an outsider in his own life, and a rival frat member who awakens his darker side. You can expect strangers to lovers, opposites attract, a bi-awakening, stalking, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, mild CNC, primal play, dirty talk, “touch him and die” vibes, sensualism and sensory play, outdoor fun, a protective MC, morally ambiguous heroes, not-so-secret societies, and lots of spicy times that will steam up your kindle screen as these two men realize that sometimes what you need is the one thing you tell yourself you shouldn’t want.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/245063365-x-marks-the-spot

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

Xavier never imagined that going to a rave would lead not only to being kidnapped but hooking up with a guy who happens to go to his school and be in a rival frat is kidnapped with him. Hooking up with Damon is probably the crazier part than the kidnapping. But even more so? The fact that Xave wants to hook up again. And when Xave learns that Damon is still a target? All bets are off. Because Xave protects what is his. And Damon? Most definitely his. Damon can’t believe there is someone out there who wants to kill him. Because why? What enemy could he possibly have? But even more crazy is what is happening between him and Xave. Damon knew he was attracted to guys but he never hooked up with one before. And after Xave? There is no one else for him. And after seeing the darker side of Xave and his family, Damon knows that maybe he should be scared, but he is anything but. Because Xave makes him feel safe. Seen. And cared for in a way he never has been before. He trusts Xave to help him figure out what is going on. And hopefully they can find the culprit before they try to come after Damon again. Another great book in this series! Loved that we finally got Xave’s story! We knew something has been going on with him and I’m glad we finally got the details. And I loved getting to know Damon and the dynamic between him and Xave. These two were such a great pair. It’s an interesting world and while the Hawthorne cousins’ stories may be done, there are plenty of others’ stories to tell and I can’t wait! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Forging Silver Into Stars Book 3: Sparking Fire Out of Fate by Brigid Kemmerer

 

Forging Silver Into Stars Book 3

Broken loyalties. Uncertain fates. Two kingdoms hanging in the balance. . . The exhilarating finale in bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer's Forging Silver series will leave readers breathless!

Callyn has grown closer to Queen Lia Mara in Syhl Shallow, bonded by the secret magic they share. But their magic can stay hidden only so long, especially when a dangerous plot on the Queen's life forces Callyn to work with the man who betrayed her.

In Emberfall, Tycho and Jax are struggling to rebuild their connection after months apart, complicated when they learn of Truthbringers causing trouble at the borders. Sent to investigate together, Jax and Tycho soon discover that the rebellious faction has formed a devil's bargain with the magical scravers to destroy human magic once and for all.

When their missions bring them together, Tycho, Jax, and Callyn find themselves facing threats from all sides. With one last chance to save their magic and their kingdoms, they must work together, or lose everything.

War has erupted. Love is tested. And without sacrifice, magic could destroy everyone . . .

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228539437-sparking-fire-out-of-fate

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

It feels like I have been waiting forever for this book and it has finally arrived! The conclusion to Tycho, Jax, and Callyn’s story is here and it was a great way to end this trilogy. Tycho and Jax are reunited but things are strained between them after being apart for so long. As they find their way back to one another, they are sent on a mission together to learn what the Truthbringers are currently doing. Turns out, nothing good. They’ll have to find a way to alert the king and queen, and stop these rebels for good before they cause more harm. Meanwhile, Callyn has her own problems with Alek but they are aligned when it comes to protecting Queen Lia Mara. They don’t know who to trust but they realize despite the hurt between them, deep down they trust one another. And it is just what they need to fix what happened between them as well. Everyone will be reunited and it’s a final battle to save their kingdoms. A great way to end the series! It’s been a fun world to be in and I loved getting to know all these new characters in this series as well as seeing so many familiar faces. It’s a great world and I’m sad to see we have reached the end. Great series!

Hidden Legacy Book 6.5: Beast Business by Ilona Andrews

 

Hidden Legacy Book 6.5

Augustine Montgomery is an Illusion Prime who owns a premier PI corporation and alters his appearance with magic. The people who have seen Augustine’s real face can be counted on the fingers of one hand. The people who witnessed the full extent of his power are dead. The illusion isn’t just the brand of his magic. It’s become his lifestyle.

Show as little as possible. Make them think that illusion is all you have. Your life depends on it.

Augustine lives by this creed. He’s cold, rational, and calculating. He doesn’t get emotionally involved. Then one day Diana Harrison walks into his office and asks for his help. Diana is a Prime, an animal mage who bonds with animals through her magic and prefers their company to humans. Something precious has been stolen from House Harrison. Something Diana must recover at all costs.

The two Houses are allied through a friendship pact. Assisting Diana is simply good business. And yet, there is something about her that disturbs the careful balance of Augustine’s inner world.

Neither of them is who they appear to be. Both would die to keep their secrets. But the enemy they face is more powerful than either had imagined, and saving the life that hangs in the balance will demand the ultimate price neither Augustine nor Diana ever anticipated to pay – complete honesty.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/247307972-beast-business

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

The Hidden Legacy series is my favorite from this author. I love being back in this world and am constantly wishing for more stories. This novella about Augustine was not enough! I wish it was longer, though it was perfect for a novella. I wish it was getting a sequel though it seems the authors won’t be doing so. And I am still team Arabella needs a series but alas, still another thing not happening. But I’ll hold out hope! This story was a great way to come back into the world even for a brief time. Cameos from a few friendly faces but mostly we finally get a story about Augustine. And we get an even better look at Diana. Diana comes to Augustine for help. Their Houses are allies and what she asks has to stay between them for a number of reasons. But they are in the search for a very precious something that was stolen from Diana. We get a way better look at their abilities and who they are. And the chemistry between these two are wild. Like I said, definitely needed more after that ending. It’s such an interesting world and gets more so with every new book. Overall, great story! I’m definitely itching for a reread and just more in general.

Deaf Hearts Book 3: Pah! by EM Lindsey & Cora Rose

 

Deaf Hearts Book 3

Whoever convinced me that sleeping with the hot co-owner of PUMPT Gym was a good idea should be tied to a tree and left in the woods to rot.

Too bad I'm the only one to blame.

There’s something about Dex that captured my attention the moment I first saw him, and no matter what I do, I can’t get him out of my head.

But there’s one tiny problem.

He's hearing.

And he doesn’t sign.

Oh, and he’s also the brother of the guy my ex is in love with.

But while three years working in another country with an ocean between us should have cured my addiction, the second I see Dex again, he’s all I want. And this time, it’s worse. This time, he’s learned my language, and he uses his hands to tell me exactly what he thinks of me.

And exactly what he wants to do when he gets his hands on me.

And his lips.

And his tongue.

In spite of my own rules against dating men like him, I find myself wanting to break down all the walls I’ve built up. But will giving in to Dex make me the world’s biggest hypocrite?

Or will I be making the best decision of my life?

PAH! is the third book in the Deaf Hearts series and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone. It’s a spicy, MM, enemies to lovers rom-com featuring a burnt out, Deaf corporate cog with a country-sized chip on his shoulder, a hearing, sexy-sweet, gym owning himbo who is learning to take what he wants, especially when it’s offered, bad dates, better dates, A+ dates, light stalking, and a happily ever after.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/243053831-pah

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ve been looking forward to this story! Robbie definitely didn’t come off as super likable in previous books. So I’ve been excited to finally get in his head and learn more about him. Especially when we learn that he gets with Dex! After a relationship that ended badly, Robbie swore to not dating hearing people. The language barrier is too much and he has been burned before. But then there is Dex. Something about him grabs Robbie’s attention and it just makes him angry to feel this pull toward someone he swore he wouldn’t date. Dex may be trying to learn ASL but it’s not enough. At least, Robbie doesn’t think so. Not at this moment. Doesn’t stop them from some very angry hook ups that leave them burning for more. But one problem. The last time it happens, Dex may make Robbie promise to stay, but in the morning, he’s gone. Worse? He left for France and is supposed to be gone for three years. Talk about ouch! Now, the years have passed and Robbie returns home. And neither have moved past the feelings they have for one another. But Dex won’t let Robbie get away with walking away this time. And Robbie isn’t strong enough to stay away. Especially when Dex is way more fluent and has shown Robbie just how much has changed and yet he still wants Robbie. Adored these two! I loved that Dex didn’t let Robbie just get away with how much he hurt him when he left. And that he really made Robbie try harder when it came to the two of them. Dex deserves someone who is willing to try. And for Robbie, he needed that push. He needed to see that Dex was different than his past and that he wanted to be different with Dex too. I loved watching these two open up to one another and finally get together after all that time! We also get introduced to some pretty interesting new characters in what appears to be a new series connected to this one. Can’t wait to see what comes next!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Contractually Yours by Crea Reitan

 

Sign your love away…

Enfield

I never wanted an arranged marriage but to continue the spoiled lifestyle I live and support my three children, I sign on the dotted line with a plan to get what I want and ditch the wife. My parents have other plans and the woman I’m contracted to turns out to be a man. I’m livid.

Xavi

I’ve been looking forward to this day for years. After watching six older brothers get their happy endings, all I want is mine. But the man who walks through my door is angry, mean, and not interested. My happy ending is heartbreak instead.

***

This is a LGBTQIA+ story with content not intended for those under 18 years of age due to graphic scenes and situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244503071-contractually-yours

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

We’ve been teased about Xavi and Enfield’s story before, but now we get to see it for ourselves at last! In Xavi and Enfield’s worlds, marriage contracts are a thing. Something families have down for generations. Something they both knew they would have to do one day. But the two of them have had very different expectations and experiences with the traditions. For Xavi, he has watched it work on his many siblings and they all are living their happily ever afters. He just wants his own. Does he agree with everything in the contract? No, but he doesn’t have much of a choice and he’ll make the sacrifice. But for Enfield, he has spent the last thirteen years fighting the contracts. He wants his inheritance, he wants his birthright. Being forced to marry with some pretty insane rules is the last thing he wants. So he has spent his time finding every loophole he can and acting out in the hope his parents will finally stop and listen. And it isn’t working. He is tired. When his friend/lawyer finds a possible solution, Enfield decides to try. Even if that means signing a contract even temporarily. But what he doesn’t realize is that his parents have set him up with a man. And he’s straight. Enfield has been pushed just a bit too much this time. But this may end up being the best thing that has happened to him in a while. Because even though Enfield and Xavi start off rocky, there is something stirring between them and they just may find that their futures could be their own if they want it to. This ended up being so great! I was so curious about these two and how they got to where we see them in other books. And just in general how they could fall for one another considering what was going on in their lives. I loved seeing cameos from other characters we know and love. And I love that these two get what they both always wanted in the end and more. Great story!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

New York Legends Book 2: Big Stick Energy by Sarina Bowen

 

New York Legends Book 2

A hockey team captain and a bubbly staffer mix business with pleasure when they start fake dating through the wedding season in this hot sports romance perfect for fans of Mariana Zapata​ and Elle Kennedy. 

Darcy Kendrick is used to putting out fires. As an overworked admin to a hockey team, she’s seen it all. But nothing prepares her for accidentally DMing her very private, very NSFW fantasy to the subject of this fantasy: team captain Eric Tremaine. Nobody actually dies of embarrassment. Right?

But when a wedding invite puts them on a collision course with her chaotic family and his emotionally fraught past, Eric suggests a plan: they fake-date their way through the “Wedding Experience.” It’s mutually beneficial. Totally strategic. And definitely not real. Except between mini tacos, slow dances and lingering glances, Eric starts to wonder if the sharp-tongued assistant with a bottomless to-do list might be the one person who truly sees him. And for Darcy? The fire in her heart might be the only one she can’t put out.

It’s supposed to be fake. It’s supposed to be temporary. So why is it so hard to walk away?

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242445304-big-stick-energy

********

My Review: 5/5 Stars

I’ve been so excited to read Darcy and Eric’s story, and it did not disappoint! It was clear from the previous book that Darcy had some feelings for Eric. And when she sends a message to her best friend about her fantasy about Eric she soon realizes that she didn’t actually send the message to Zoe but to Eric himself. Though she is most definitely mortified, it may end up being the best thing she has ever done. Turns out Eric needed a bit of a wake up call when it came to Darcy. Eric and Darcy have worked together for years and it’s very clear that Eric has paid attention to Darcy. But Eric is anything but selfish. He puts others before him all the time and spends so much of his energy being the best captain he can be. Doing things from himself? Not really a thing. But the message is the start of something. Especially when he realizes that the two of them will be going to the same wedding this summer. Cue the family drama for them both. What starts as being one another’s date to fake dating, is just the beginning glimpse of what they could be together if they give themselves the chance. For Eric, he has never really dated. Never found someone who made him want to ask for more. And for Darcy, growing up she has seen what it looks like when things go bad. Can they be brave enough to take the risk? I loved these two! They were so much fun and had amazing chemistry. I loved that they were friends and how this one trip really gave them a chance to realize how much they knew one another and how much more there was to learn. They just worked together so well. And these two were clearly falling hard for one another from the start, yet neither would admit it. Another great book in this series! We have some great characters and I can’t wait for the next one!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.